From career milestones to new music releases to major announcements and those little important moments, Billboard editors highlight uplifting moments in Latin music. Here’s what happened in the Latin music world this week.
Karol G’s Documentary Played at Women’s Prison
Karol G’s Con Cora Foundation hosted screenings of the star’s Tomorrow Was Beautiful documentary for the women of El Pedregal prison in Medellín, Colombia. The initiative, according to a press release, “aimed to create a safe and uplifting space for reflection, inspiration and community among women deprived of liberty.”
The event featured two screenings of the documentary, accompanied by an educational moment centered around self-care. “Through the Con Cora Foundation, we’re proud to carry on our founder’s mission to uplift and empower women,” Valentina Bueno, executive director of Con Cora Foundation said in a statement. “With the support of partner organizations, we are able to share this story — one of resilience and hope — with these women, hoping to inspire them to dream big and to chase their dreams, because we believe they can make them into a reality.”
Prince Royce Crashes Zumba Class
Eos Fitness in Kendall, Miami got a surprise visit from Prince Royce when the bachata star crashed one of the Zumba classes this week. Those in attendance were working out to “Dancing in the Moonlight,” part of Royce’s Eterno album, when he joined them in class and danced with a few lucky Zumba students. He also snapped a few selfies with those that approached him with phone in hand.
Check out the special moment below:
Felix Contreras Special Award
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation announced that NPR’s Felix Contreras (Alt.Latino) will receive the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Award for Journalism at the 38th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards. The ceremony will take place Sept. 4 at the Warner Theater in Washington, D.C. Contreras has dedicated over 40 years to reporting and producing TV news, radio, online and streaming journalism.
“Through his remarkable journey, he hasn’t just documented our stories but has authentically lived through the rhythms, beats and messages conveyed in the music,” Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO, Hispanic Heritage Awards expressed in a statement. “His passion for music and our community is palpable and musicians, not just his audience, feels it through the interviews, writings and performances. He’s a cultural ambassador who understands his responsibility to share and represent our community through music which fosters a greater understanding and appreciation of who we are as Latinos.”
Boleros de Noche
Boleros De Noche — an annual music event series launched in 2015 by Roberto Carlos as an effort to preserve, uplift, and celebrate Latin American bolero music in Los Angeles — is taking the celebration a bit further. On Friday, the city of L.A. officially declared Aug. 2 as “Día del Bolero.”
Since its launch, Boleros De Noche has presented over 20 concerts at the Ford Theater featuring artists such as Gaby Moreno, Marisoul from La Santa Cecilia and the legendary trio Los Panchos.
Latin Recording Academy Educator Award
The Latin Recording Academy and the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation announced the launch of the Latin Music Educator Award. According to a press release, the new distinction will honor “one exceptional educator from the global music community who is making a significant impact by incorporating Latin music into their curriculum.”
Applications are now open to educators worldwide currently teaching kindergarten through high school in a public, private or charter school, who speak Spanish, Portuguese, English or any native dialect.
The inaugural recipient will be honored at the Special Awards Presentation during the 26th Annual Latin Grammy Week in Las Vegas in November. “Educators are pivotal in nurturing and shaping the future of Latin music and its creators,” Manuel Abud, CEO of The Latin Recording Academy, said in a statement. “Together with the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, we are proud to honor those who ensure the enduring legacy of Latin music.”
